Devastated by the June flood, High River is a broken town. But, just like an automobile that’s been left to rust in a field with a seized engine and gutted interior can show promise of once again being king of the road, so too does High River.

Workers are making progress at restoring the southern Alberta town, but it’s a project that will likely take years to complete. Some business owners and residents have lost everything.

But not to be daunted by the damage, the River City Classics car club will host its 11th annual High River Show and Shine Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the heart of the town.

“We had a meeting in July to discuss the fate of the car show,” said River City Classics president Brian Chipchase. “People’s lives were upside down, but someone said the show must go on.

“We want to bring people to this town so they can see for themselves we’re still here.”

What started in 2003 with 127 cars in attendance has turned into one of the largest show and shines in Western Canada.

“We had 1,250 vehicles last year, and I think that makes it one of the biggest shows around, possibly even in all of Canada,” Chipchase said. “The town is behind us, and we pull in between 10,000 to 12,000 visitors in one day.”

Chipchase lives in east High River, and he was spared the overland flooding. And although his sewer backed up, his car collection was not affected.

He has three Mustang GT convertibles — a 1983, a 1986 and a 2006. Chipchase also owns two 1979 Ford Rancheros, one complete and running and the other currently under restoration.

More than a few members of the River City Classics club did lose cars in the flood. Club co-founder Doug Montford lost three vehicles, and a friend of Chipchase found his 1969 Chrysler convertible under a metre of water.

Others were able to move their cars to higher ground.

“I think the car show will bring a little bit of relief to High River,” Chipchase said. “The Rotary Club is setting up a beer garden, and there will be plenty of food trucks and other spots where you can grab a bite to eat.”

All registered vehicles are entered into a draw, sponsored by High River Ford, for a weekend at the NASCAR races in Phoenix, Ariz.

All funds raised from the $10 per vehicle registration fee goes to charity. “We usually meet right after the show to determine who will benefit,” Chipchase said.

High River is also hosting the 2013 Canadian Hot Air Balloon Championships. The balloon event began on Wednesday, and it continues through the weekend with a final flight on Sunday morning (http://www.canadianhotairballoonchampionships.com/).

***

On Sunday morning if you happen to see a group of motorcyclists dressed in their finest threads — think tweeds and ties — riding around Calgary aboard hand-built custom machines, you’re witnessing the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. The what?

“The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is all about dapper, classic bikes, laughter and men,” states the website at www.gentlemansride.com. “It is a motorcycle ride that takes place in over 110 cities worldwide on the same day. It is the only event of its kind and (it was) all spawned from a single image of a gentleman on a motorcycle in a suit.”

In 2012, the first ride was held in 64 cities. While it was a lark, in 2013, event organizers determined the ride should support a cause — prostate cancer awareness and research.

SPOTLIGHT

River City Classics presents its 11th annual High River Show and Shine in the downtown on Sunday. Regardless of the flooding, the show must go on, they say. Vehicle registration starts at 7 a.m. and runs to 10 a.m., and is $10 plus food bank donation. The show itself runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All makes and models welcome, including motorcycles. Visit www.rivercityclassics.ca, or call Brian Chipchase at 403-652-7226 for more information.

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